The Nets started the offseason by making it known that they are interested in Orlando’s Dwight Howard, while also courting two of the top free agents on the market Dallas’ Tyson Chandler and Denver Nuggets big man Nene.

Chandler has already shown mutual interest in the Nets, but they have made Nene their top priority and reports out of New Jersey is saying that the Nets have a ‘pretty strong’ chance of landing him.

The Nets do have the cap room (around $19 million) to offer Nene the max and could team him up with center Brook Lopez (if they don’t trade for Howard). New Jersey also has former Nuggets’ center Johan Petro, who told reporters the other day that Nene would help the Nets frontcourt, which was considered ‘soft’ last season.  (more…)

Ty Lawson gives Denver Nuggets fans hop.

There is currently a lot of negative opinions about the Denver Nuggets and how successful they will be this season when/if the lockout is lifted. And it is pretty apparent why.

Last season, they traded Carmelo Anthony – who many considered as the best player in Nuggets history. They have to replace three players who played important roles for the team. Wilson Chandler, JR Smith and Kenyon Martin have each signed to play in China and won’t be able to play in the NBA until April at the earliest. Even when they return there is no guarantee they will play for the Nuggets. And lets not forget that the return of Nene, who was arguably the Nuggets most valuable player down the stretch last season, is in question after he declined a contract extension this summer.

But despite all of this, there is still reason to be excited about the Nuggets when/if the season begins. (more…)